The US Secretary of State reiterated assurances of support for Afghanistan in “three very significant transitions: a security transition, a political transition, and an economic transition”. He added that he and President Karzai were on the same page in regards to the engagement with the Taliban. Karzai clarified his recent anti-US statements saying his comments suggesting that Taliban attacks on civilians served to keep international military forces in the country longer had been misinterpreted.

Apparently the meeting has gone upbeat, after the rounds of recent controversies. The arrangements on transfer of Bagram prison and withdrawal of US Special Forces from Wardak are a success which we believe the Americans had no option, otherwise. The accusatory language which has now increasingly become dangerous with dragging the Ulema Council issuing statements calling out international allies “Kufar”, there had not remained any room for compromise other than risk that could damage Afghanistan and the Government more than the US troops. The arrangement is result of frustration with the current Kabul Administration for its last year in rule.

John Kerry also met a delegation of Afghan women. Zahra Mahmoodi, captain of the our women football team reminded the Secretary of State how Taliban had banned the game—a reminder of the single achievement of international engagement in Afghanistan that even though symbolic but means half of the Afghan population are experiencing a progress and participation in society. Entrepreneur Hassina Syed reminded him about the fears of security that Afghan women have about future. 

Besides the security transition, power transition in 2014 is more important factor for Afghanistan to continue the post-2001 journey of democracy and gradual stability. The international community, particularly the US, must ensure free, fair and transparent elections are held for smooth transfer of leadership in Kabul to continue the process. John Kerry knows that more than any other American leader. He played vital role in the compromise of 2009 election fraud. Repetition of the same episode in 2014 will not go as easy as in 2009. It could plunge the country into crisis and eventual descent into chaos and violence. The region and world cannot afford instability and full-scale civil war in Afghanistan, becoming once again home to international terrorists.

The continue support and commitment of the international community in contribution to the maintenance of ANSF, their training and economic support would be the lifeline for Afghanistan’s journey towards stability.